Retrieval of controlling parameter in induced draft cooling tower using inverse method

In this work, application of the Golden Section Search Method (GSSM) is illustrated to inversely retrieve the controlling parameter meeting a desired performance requirement in an induced draft cooling tower. Merkel number is an important performance parameter because it involves various parameters such as global heat and mass transfer coefficient, water flow rate, dimensions (interfacial area per unit volume) and range within itself. At first, experiments have been performed to get accurate correlations for Merkel number against the controlling parameter that is required to be estimated, which is the air mass flow rate. Then, an inverse optimization technique involving GSSM has been used to estimate the required air flow rate in order to satisfy a given performance parameter. It is found from the present study that the controlling parameter estimated using GSSM yields a very good reconstruction of the Merkel number.